For the second game in a row, catcher Hector Sanchez paired with Tim Lincecum, who interrupted a season-long slump to pitch seven shutout innings against the Dodgers last Wednesday. Bochy explained that with an 11 a.m. ET game looming Wednesday, he didn't want Buster Posey behind the plate for two games in a row, and therefore divided catching duties for the series' first two games.

Bochy added that with Posey starting at first base Tuesday, he felt compelled to explain that decision to Brandon Belt, who went 3-for-4 on Sunday. Posey has remained more productive over the long term, entering Tuesday hitting .344 (21-for-61) with three homers and nine RBIs in his previous 17 games.

Bochy indicated that with the possible exception of Barry Zito's typical pairing with Sanchez, Posey will catch all of San Francisco's starters through the rest of the season, regularly or intermittently.

"I don't want to get to where I have to have certain guys catching certain pitchers," Bochy said.